Bowmanville Men's Canadian Club The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, February 18, 1998 Pane 7 Solina News Paralympic Athlete Discusses Sports and Leadership by Mary Fraser A leader is one who serves. This was the message delivered by Canadian Paralympic Champion, Rob Snock, to the Bowmanville Men's Canadian Club at St. John's Anglican church, on Wednesday, February 4lh. Snock, whose leli leg was amputated in infancy, spoke humbly about his rise as a track and field athlete, focussing, not on himself, but on others who were his role models. In a moving tribute, Snock praised his father's early example of hard work and sacrifice for a large family, an example that shaped his own concept of this world's real heroes. "My father will help anyone anyone in need. He will do the dirtiest job with a smile. His willing service to others makes him a great leader", says Snock, whose definition of a leader is one who serves from his knees. Learning early the lesson of sacrifice for a goal, young Rob was determined to become an outstanding athlete. athlete. lie played many different different sports during his school years, including minor hockey hockey in Orono while lie dreamed of becoming an N.H.L. or Olympic star. However, after reading about Arnold Boldl, a one- legged Paralympian holding the high jumping world record of 6 feel, 11 inches, Snock soon had another dream. He began to train as a runner and his goal was to make it to the Paralympics. Snock described Boldl, who was his inspiration and, later, his friend, as a great athlete and human being. The Paralympics, which arc held every four years, use a classification system that allows participants to com pete with others who have similar disabilities. Above and below the knee amputees, for example, arc placed in different different categories. Snock describes his own inauspicious beginning at Cambridge, Ontario in 1989. "I was pitted against a fellow called Dennis Oelilcr, a world record holder, and 1 was just a rookie...and what do you think happened? He kicked my butt...is what happened!" laughed Snock. "Afterwards he talked to me about his training, six days a week, three to four hours a day (I was doing a couple of hours a week) and he also showed me his artificial artificial leg, which had a flex foot, a great speed advantage. 1 was determined to have that kind of prosthesis and by raising raising money through the War Amps and other organizations, organizations, I eventually got one," Snock said. In recent years, improvc- INTRODUCTIONS -- Some of the members of the Bowmanville Men's Canadian Club meet guest speaker Rob Snock prior to his speech to their club earlier in the month. In the photo arc: Wesley Hills, who thanked the speaker; Rob Snock; Jim Cryderman, who introduced the local paralympic athlete and Rowland Coombcs, Club President. Orono News by I. Challice Quote - "A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure". It would seem to me our Elvis Stojko was a prime example of this quote! Even his own coach never knew of his serious groin injury, but ■ he still carried on under pressure pressure to win his silver medal ! Well this is Sunday evening and Canada is still winning "big time" at the Olympics in Nagano and just to hear our winners singing O Canada while the medals are pinned on, brings tears to many! Last Saturday, February 7, a very successful "Beaveree" 'when close to 200 Beavers, ages 5-7 took place at Clarke High School. Beavers from Newcastle, Orono, Pontypool, Bowmanville, Bethany, Hampton, Enniskillen and Hillcrest. Saturday, February 14, Valentine's Day, a teen dance was held in Orono Town Hall, and co-sponsored by Orono Town Hall Board and 1st Orono Scouts. A real "Fun Night", but a larger crowd would have increased the fun. Next Sunday, February 22, a special evening service at Kirby United Church 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Guest speaker is Joan Skelton, director of Durham Social Development Council. Topic - "Child Poverty in Durham". Special music "Nancy Chisling". Refreshments. To mention Mrs. Chisling, wife of Reverend Chisling of Newcastle United Church. He was a former minister of our granddaughter Mrs. Nancy Kelly, Oshawa, when she lived at Apple River, N.S. and he was at Advocate Church, (small world). February is "Heart Month" and heart disease is the number one killer of Canadian women. Please greet your Canvassers with a generous gift and a smile! Orono Town Hall Cards Report Allan Downes 79, Lil Boldcrslone 78, Reid Harness 78, Aleck Moffat 78, Don Thompson 75. Low Score - Edgar Millson. Lucky draws - Ray Agricultural Society Manager Steps Down Ron Locke Inis stepped down from his position ns Property Manager of the Durham Central Agricultural Society after 10 years, Locke was presented with this plaque from the society members during the annual general meeting at the end of January, Ray Staples made the presentation. Ron Locke told the agricultural agricultural society that, while he may be gone from his position, lie's still just a call away if his help is required. ments in the prosthesis industry industry have helped disabled athletes athletes reach higher and higher standards, with the world record for the 100 metre dash now only one.and one-half seconds over Donovan Bailey's time. Snoek spoke with respect of Dennis Oelilcr and other athletes who, he believes, have become leaders because they have learned how to serve others. Toronto Argonaut's Mike (Pinball) Clemens is one such person, according to Snock, who admires this athlete's work for charities and his respectful treatment of both fans and the media. "He is a wonderful ambassador ambassador for his sport, his team, his city and his faith," said Snoek. "I am proud to be his friend". Paralympian runner, Jeff Ticsscn, who lost both arms as a youngster, also received praise from Snoek for humbly treating everyone, including small children, with respect and courtesy. "Today Jeff is a retired world record holder who has two university degrees and owns his own publishing company. His willingness to serve others is what makes him a fine ambassador for all disabled athletes." "Now I realize, that whether 1 wish it or not, I, too, am an ambassador. How I behave and answer questions reflects on all people with disabilities." disabilities." Snock suggested that all of us, in our life's activities, arc ambassadors. If we arc positive people, we will be leaders - leaders who serve others, beginning from our knees. This kind of leadership from ordinary citizens, he concluded, is essential to the creation of a nation in which we can all take pride. Snock, an honours graduate graduate in journalism from Seneca College, holds three Canadian track records and is ranked second in the world. He represented represented Canada at the 1992 and 1996 Paralympic Games in Barcelona and Atlanta, respectively, and is the recipient recipient of other prestigious awards. He will represent Canada at the World Championships this summer in Birmingham, England. The father of two, Snock lives with his wife, Pam, in Bowmanville. by Harvey Yellowlees "I don't know where the time goes. There simply isn't enough, I thought I'd take life easy, Instead I'm out of puff. I'm running around in circles circles So many things to do, If you want relaxation Then retirement's not for you." Well, the weatherman has given us another beautiful week. I'm sorry you couldn't read my news last week, there didn't seem to be space, maybe this week. We have had a busy week. On Monday about 35 people met at the hall at 9:00 a.m. for a 55 Alive Course for Mature Drivers. The instructor was Doug Stevenson from Oshawa. He led us through 6 hours of driving skills then and again on Wednesday; ending with a little test. Everyone received a Canada Safety Council card to prove they took the course. Thanks were expressed to Doug Stevenson and also to Bud Gimblctt for organizing the event. The Rural Bowling on Tuesday night had a few changes. Of course Hampton arc still on top with 23 points, Solina 16, Newtonshaw 14, Hi C's 11, My Team 5 and Courtice I. Did you know the rural bowling league lias been operating for 48 years? 1 bowled back then with just a few of the men 1 remember, John Slcmon, Orville Ashton, Edgar Wright, Ross Ashton, Adam Sharp, Lawrence Wcarn, Les Coombcs, Keith McGill, Francis Wottcn, Harold McLaughlin, Cecil Mills and John McLean. Jim Coombcs came to bowl with his dad when he was 13 years old and has been bowling every since. (Was that 45 years ago, Jim?) Bruce Taylor won the 50-50 draw again. On Wednesday there were 6 tables for cards at Hampton. Scores were - High, Marie Brooks 81, Pauline Raymond 75, Don Dair 75, Ace Richards 74, Alice Beech 73. Low - El wood Manns. Most lone hands Marie Brooks 4. Lucky draws - Vera Downey, Leone Wright 2, Fred Watson. Come again this week. At Solina Hall Friday evening there were 13 tables. Jean Munday was the big winner with 103 points. It was the 13th of February with 13 tables and Jean's 103 count. Then came Lyra Flintoff with 81, Franc Svoice 81 and also the most lone hands 5, Elaine Baker 80 and the most honest player Betty Chumblcy. Lucky draws, Wes Hills, Vi Ashton, Betty Lynch, Lloyd Broome, Edna Manns, (now she can come again next week. We may have to help pay Ehvood's way!), June Bothwell, Charles Kelly, Norma Globcr, Harry Knox, Marg McGuirk, Bcv Wiggans. Doris Hills and Lois Yellowlees provided lunch. We were happy to have all you people there. Come again. Glad to report Lois Yellowlees (Jr.) is home from hospital and feeling better. We've been boarding our daughter, her husband, her son Tim and pet Chip (the Dairs) while their house is being renovated. À look at some of the trends and events that shaped this century as seen through the pages of The Canadian Statesman. Staples, Joan Sutcliffe, Lil Boldcrstonc, Ray Hayward, Jean O'Neil. Euchre party every Wednesday night 8 p.m. Unit News - Ladies of Unit #1, held a successful monthly meeting Wednesday, February 11, in Main Hall of Orono United Church, with 12 ladies in attendance. Dorothy Robinson was in charge of an interesting devotional devotional and a lovely lunch closed the meeting, following a short business period. Last Tuesday night February 10, a large class of interested folks met in the lower main hall of the church to enjoy our very first "Tai Chi" exercise class, with Mrs. Pat Lycctt in capable charge of demonstrations. Mr. Paul Tatnblyn, Acton, was a Saturday visitor of his mother Mrs. Mary Tamblyn. Mrs. Dale Fcrrier and Mr. and Mrs. Murray Brown, Peterborough were Sunday dinner guests of the Challiccs. Mr. Derek Barnett, Church St., is now convalescing convalescing at home. That's Entertainment Today's amateur drama groups sometimes struggle to find the talent they need both on stage and behind the scenes. 'Biit, : judging from Statesman reports earlier in the century, there, must have been a wide array of local talent willing to play in a band, sing in a choir, perform in a variety show or set foot on stage as part of a play. Remember, also, that the town's population then was about one-third of what it is today. Consider this menu of amateur talent connected with the cultural life of Bowmanville in just one month during 1936. At Bowmanville High School, the Bowmanville Drama Club was presenting a parade of three one-act plays called Brothers in Arms, Trilles and Becky Sharp, Over at the Opera House, another group of townfolk was performing a benefit "Minstrel Show" featuring popular songs, snappy choruses, humorous skits and up-to-the-minute jokes. Meanwhile, on Radio Station CFRB, Bowmanville was featured on one of its Wriglcy programs. Those whose acts were auditioned were all deemed worthy of air time. They included: Dolly Purdy, of Newcastle, vocalist; Sam Castle, the yodelling hobo from Maple Grove; Joyce and Gerald Reidl, vocalists, from Bowmanville; Paddy and Buck Welsh, harmonica/guitar; and E. Coote, accordionist, Bowmanville. In addition, the March 19th, 1936, edition of The Statesman also announced dates for a four-day music Durham County festival at Trinity Church. Nor was talent limited to Bowmanville. Earlier that same year -- in February, to be exact --- the Newcastle players presented "The Rotters," a "difficult comedy" on stage at the Hart House Theatre at the University of Toronto. The show was well-received by big-city drama critics. It was the first play done in Hart House by any non- collcgiate troupe from outside the city. Ever wonder where these folks found the time for such ambitious productions? Maybe they didn't have cable. Those Were The Days YOUNGEST REEVE - Alf Graham was declared to be the youngest member of the 1936 Counties Council. He was elected at age 26 (1935) to the Village of Newcastle's highest post. HEAVY WORKLOAD - In September of 1936, Mrs. J.I'l. Werry, of Horsey St., Bowmanville, appealed to public-spirited citizens to join a cam-' paign for the installation of an elevator at Bowmanvillc's Hospital. The need was described as "very great," because nurses were required to carry heavy patients up and down stairs from the operating operating rooms. SPEEDING TRAFFIC - Bowmanvillc's 1936 town councillors wrestled with the problem of speeding vehicles. Chief Venton declared that the fast traffic was largely in the summer time and that tourists were mainly to blame. "Americans were the chief offenders," he said. Eventually, the town officials officials decided against installing a traffic light, but would post speed limit signs. FEWER PAPERS - In 1908 there were 408 weekly weekly papers published in Ontario. Today, there are only 264, the Statesman observed in a December, 1936 editorial. Similarly, the number of dailies had slipped from 52 in 1911 to 34. WORTH THEIR PAY? - "The less some people do, the more pay they want." So said a' Statesman, editorial appearing in 1936 on the subject of pay for MPs. At that time, each MP in Ottawa received 52,500 per session, plus railway fares, although the MPs were said to travel free anyhow. "Answering roll call and drawing their pay is their chief occupation," occupation," the editorial observed. SECRET CURE FOR ALCOHOL - Available at the Jury and Lovell Drug Store at a price of only SI per box, Alcura was described in 1913 as a way of halting drunkenness. "Alcura Number One can be given secretly by any wife or mother wanting to restore a dear one to health and usefulness," said a Statesman advertisement. Alcura No. 2 was available available for those who preferred a voluntary treatment. The Canadian Statesman Your Community Newspaper Since 1854 62 King' Si. West (905) 623-3303 Bowmanville